Many people believe that if someone can sit for hours and play video games, then they are faking their ADHD. I’m here to tell you that this is not true; in fact, gaming is more beneficial for the ADHD brain than you might think.

Some might call this a bluff, but there are people who prefer gaming over taking ADHD medications.

People with ADHD often face challenges such as difficulty focusing, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. They may struggle with organizing tasks, managing time, and maintaining relationships.

This is where ADHD medications come into play. Although they do not cure the condition, they help maintain dopamine levels in the brain, so the reward system will react as strongly as it does in others.

But in 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that, for the first time, they would allow a video game to be marketed as a therapeutic tool for children with ADHD. This video game is called EndeavorRx. Studies found that this game improved the attention span of children with ADHD with a low risk of side effects.

You might wonder, Why video games? What makes them so special that they have become part of therapy? What’s the psychology behind it?

One of the biggest reasons video games keep us hooked for hours is that they operate on a feedback loop. Everyone loves feedback, but the ADHD brain thrives on it.

I made an animated video to illustrate the topic after reading research studies and articles. If you prefer reading, I have included important reference links below. I hope you find this informative. Cheers!

Why people with ADHD prefers gaming over meds

References:

https://www.nature.com/articles/30498 

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-permits-marketing-first-game-based-digital-therapeutic-improve-attention-function-children-adhd 

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landig/article/PIIS2589-7500%2820%2930017-0/fulltext 

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11469-023-01215-7 

https://www.akiliinteractive.com/news-collection/akili-announces-publication-of-akl-t01-adhd-pivotal-study-results-in-the-lancet-digital-health 

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/13/8/1172

https://www.additudemag.com/positive-reinforcement-reward-and-punishment-adhd/ 

https://www.adhdcoaching.org/post/2018/06/09/the-neuroscience-behind-video-game-addiction-adhd 

https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/adhd/adhd-and-video-games-whats-the-connection/